4 ms·

In the US, we know that most wait staff are paid far less than minimum wage. The expectation is that tips will make up for the difference. You simply didn't pay

• harshalizee 3y ago
  No that's not how it works. If the tips don't work out to minimum wage, the employer pays the difference. That's how it is in all the states. Some cities, like Seattle, has a minimum wage at $15 for wait staff. So tipping is on top of that.
  • Broken_Hippo 3y ago
    The only thing you can count on is that the place pays the federal minimum wage and that legally, the place is supposed to make up tips. Tips make wage theft really easy for the employer. Most places aren't Seattle. Most states and cities aren't setting higher minimum wages for wait staff, and most aren't putting the minimum on par with other folks. As you travel through the country, you probably aren't going to see if the folks in the area are paid well or see how much of a jerk you are for not tipping in a country that expects it instead of including wages in the price of goods.
  • SoftTalker 3y ago
    That's interesting. Did Seattle consider banning tipping also when they raised the minimum wage for wait staff? It's probably impossible to ban someone voluntarily leaving extra money on the table.
    • harshalizee 3y ago
      Absolutely not. We still have the 15%, 20%, 25% kiosk tip option nonsense.